Match Page 2017-18 - Lineups WP: 135

Match Page 2017-18 - Match Data WP: 140

Match Page 2017-18 - Timeline WP:139

Match Page 2017-18 - Timeline WP:139

Match Page 2017-18 - Match Data WP: 140

Ulster remain unbeaten

jmcconnell9 Sep 2006

Ulster took their second win of the Magners League campaign, and leapfrogged Connacht to return to the top of the table after getting the better of the Dragons in an end to end tussle at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons not only have the defeat to contend with but also were rocked by the injury to No.8 Nic Fitisemanu who added to their growing injury list ahead of Tuesday’s game with the Scarlets.

Fitisemanu had scored the games opening try, although the Champions had struck back with a score for winger Andrew Maxwell and moved further ahead with a David Humphreys penalty before Nathan Brew grabbed the initiative for the home side with their second try. The game continued to swing with Bryn Cunningham take the Ulstermen back into the lead – which was short lived as brew snatched his second of the night before Fitisemanu’s injury. He clashed heads with Paddy Wallace in a full-blooded tackle to the extent where, six minutes later, the Dragons back row was stretchered off the pitch with his neck in a brace and needing oxygen. Happily he was later back on his feet in the dressing room.

Ulster bounced back after the stoppage with Cunningham’s second try drawing the game at 25-25 before scrum-half Kieran Campbell set up the decisive touchdown for replacement prop Declan Fitzpatrick.